Curated Menu for the Holiday Season
With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve lined up, the holiday season is fast approaching. It is a season of joy with friends and family getting together to celebrate with love, laughter, and happiness. Did we miss mentioning something? Oh yes! Decadent spread of good food.
Sharing a meal with your loved ones is an integral part of any holiday. While this tradition is truly heartwarming, it can be difficult to maintain when you're hosting a large group for a festive meal. Fret not! This year try our curated menu.
Options for Appetizers: Appetizers are an excellent way to greet guests and keep them engaged while the main course is being prepared. Opt for dishes that are simple to make in bulk and will not weigh heavy on the appetite. Here are some delicious appetiser ideas:
A retro classic, prawn cocktail is a refreshing and elegant starter that suits the season perfectly. Serve it in individual glasses or small bowls, topped with a tangy Marie Rose sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For added flair, try adding a few slices of avocado or a dash of smoked paprika for a modern twist.
For a heartier, warming option, a wild mushroom soup is ideal. The earthy flavours of mushrooms, combined with the creaminess of a well-made stock and a hint of garlic and thyme, offer a comforting start. A drizzle of truffle oil or a scattering of crispy pancetta can elevate this dish and add a touch of luxury.
Thanks to social media, Charcuterie has evolved into a term that refers to almost anything served on a board. You can serve a variety of cheeses and crackers. You can also serve “Mediterranean Charcuterie Boards” filled with vegetables, hummus, and pita bread.
Options for Main Course: The main course is the heart of the celebration and an opportunity to impress your guests with memorable meals.
Turkey remains the star of the holiday season. Consider a perfectly roasted bird stuffed with a mixture of chestnuts, sage, and onions, paired with crispy roast potatoes, brussels sprouts, and rich gravy. For a twist, try serving the turkey with an apple and cider sauce for added depth of flavour. You can cook turkey faster in a pressure cooker. Check out the wide range of pressure cookers from Vinod Cookware for your holiday cooking essentials.
If you’re looking to offer an alternative to turkey, Beef Wellington is a show-stopping choice that combines elegance and indulgence. A succulent fillet of beef wrapped in layers of mushroom duxelles and puff pastry served with a rich red wine jus, is sure to impress. Serve with a side of truffle mashed potatoes.
For vegetarian guests, a nut roast is a hearty, festive option. Packed with a mix of nuts, lentils, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables, this dish can be made even more special with a rich vegan gravy or cranberry relish on the side. Roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes complement the flavours beautifully, adding colour and texture to the plate.
Options for Dessert: No holiday meal is complete without a dessert. Here are some festive favourites:
A traditional Christmas pudding, rich with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, is the quintessential British holiday dessert. Serve it with a generous helping of brandy butter or thick cream.
Mince pies are an absolute must during the holiday season. Whether homemade or store-bought, these sweet, spiced pastries filled with fruit and brandy offer a satisfying end to any meal.
Don’t forget to consider the drinks to complement your curated holiday menu. A glass of mulled wine, spiced cider, or even a festive cocktail like a cranberry gin fizz will set the mood.
For all your holiday cooking needs, look no further than Vinod Cookware. Our wide selection of essential cookware ensures you're fully equipped to prepare festive meals with ease. You can find high-quality products that cater to both everyday cooking and special holiday feasts.